Looking to buy Flintlock Rifle

[jjsemperfi]

So I've caught the black powder bug (Uberti 3rd Model Dragoon) and want a flintlock rifle to add to my collection. I cannot justify a $800 flintlock at this time so my eyes are on the Lyman Great Plains Flinter in .50. Any suggestions or comments on that rifle or possibly other ideas? Thanks

 

[Kapow]

Great place to start but get a .54, the advantages are many. Also, think about a Lyman trade rifle. They are a bit cheaper again but handier and more versatile as the barrel twist is a bit quicker. Both are well made. Nothing wrong with a second hand rifle as long as you can inspect it thoroughly.

 

[Mr. S]

In January my wife got me a Lyman Great Plains in .54 flint, for an early birthday present. I have been very happy with it. There is also the trade rifle as mentioned and the Lyman Deerstalker. Lots of folks like Pedersoli's also. I have no experience with them though. You could look for a used TC.

Get back with what you want to use the rifle for and lots of folks on the forum can steer you in a good direction.

Rick

 

[Alden]

If that's your interest I'd consider an older used one these days. Good gun for the money...

 

[vega72]

A good lock is the main thing. one that is tuned and sparks good. I have a Pedersoli frontier and it is very good quality.

 

[nkbj]

The GPR generally isn't as versatile as the TC products but don't say nay until you try!

 

[BigBoreBLR]

I got a LH 54 cal flintlock.

I say go with the 54. Tons of knockdown power.

If you shoot a lot like more than 200 rounds a year, maybe it makes sense to go with 45.

Lots of flintlock shooters by me prefer the 45. So, it's got enough snuff.


My advice. IF going with the GPR. Buy a L&R drop in replacemtn lock for it. Then sell you unused lock online.

The trigger, barrel, and wood are good on the Lymans, atleast mine it is.

Pick up a 40 cal brush to clean the patent breech section of the gun.

If going flint, buy a new 1/16" drill bit and enlarge the flash hole. Buy a spare flash hole.

The stock lock works, but there are better ones out there. The buy and sell your stock upgrade will probably only set you back another $75. Well worth it.

IF using the stock lock, get the flint as close to the frizzen as you can. Put a small twig to bring the flint closer.

Also, having the flint straight edge be on top increase the arc of contact with the frizzen. Helps with more spark.

If going percussion, I haven't seen anyone complain about a snap cap GPR.

I have doen very well with my stock GPR at woodwalks.

Also, replace the adjustable rear sight with a fixed one. The sight walks around a bit, but isn't ever off by much. Just enough to miss really small targets at woodwalk shoots. not enough to make problem with a deer at 75-100 yards, or miss a small paper plate.

 

[BigBoreBLR]

Even with replacing the lock. I still prefer the GPR over the T/C hawkens.

T/C quality is going downhill, atleast with their more modern offerings. I can imagine the beans counters will drool over the profit margins from a $650 firearm they could put shortcuts on.

 

[jjsemperfi]

Great, thanks gents! I was debating the .50 vs .54 as well. It's first purpose is to introduce me to flinters, second is deer and elk. The .50 and .54 don't cost a whole lot different but I'm worried about the availability of the .54. If anyone knows of a good used rifle in that style (LGP, Ped Hunter, maybe even a deer stalker) I would very much appreciate a PM. Thanks!

 

[stinkyfeet]

Check out the Pedersoli Frontier it list for around 700 bucks at most places. Cabelas has the same gun known as the cabelas blue ridge for 649 it comes in 45, 50, and 54 caliber, I have the 45 caliber flinter and love it huge lock and flint that sprays sparks, and the gun is a true track driver. All the guns have a 39 inch barrel the 45 being 13/16 1-48 twist and the 50 and 54 have 7/8 inch barrels the 50 cal is a 1-48 twist while the 54 is a 1-64 twist I think. Best part about the frontier/blue ridge is its a long rifle and the barrel is not pinned so it can be removed and placed in a sink for a good cleaning (nice feature)But is ya want its available in the frontier version again same rifle as blue ridge, you can get a 32, 36, 45, 50, or 54 caliber. If ya get a 32, 36, or 45 there all 13/16 barrels and you can get a true drop in barrel from flintlock etc for 385 bucks and have another rifle in minutes. Just trying to help.

 

[stinkyfeet]

Even with replacing the lock. I still prefer the GPR over the T/C hawkens.

T/C quality is going downhill, atleast with their more modern offerings. I can imagine the beans counters will drool over the profit margins from a $650 firearm they could put shortcuts on.

TC or Smith and wesson I should say now quit making the TC Hawken. Both the TC Hawken and Lyman GPR are great rifles, I however perfer the TC just my opinion.

 

[Blackfingers]

jjsemperfi, all guns mentioned here are first rate and will serve you for many years. I have the Austen-Halleck Mountain Rifle flintlock in .50cal, the darn thing is bullet-proof,IMHO. If you see one in a store, have a good look, they're extremely well made but unfortunately aren't made anymore. The closest thing would be the Traditions Mountain Rifle, made from A&H parts purchased by Traditions when A&H went under, even they aren't being made anymore. What I liked most of all was the absolute true to period styling and 9lbs light, don't pass one up if it comes your way.

 

[BigBoreBLR]

IF sourcing components is sketchy in your area, then go for the 50. If they have any roundballs, it's usually .495".

I just stock up well via online sources.

 

[Col. Batguano]

The first thing you need to decide is what you want it for. Hunting, targets, plinking, investment purposes, for the wall, to make your friends drool? then, decide on style or period you're trying to represent, and locality. Then go to a Rondy somewhere or Dixons and shoulder what you seem to feel like you'd like. then you can start narrowing it down to what you have your heart set on.

From there, with that narrowed down you can figure out what you THINK you can afford. Odds are that you can afford more than you think you can, if you are willing to wait and save a little bit more for it. Remember there are a few accessories that you'll need too. Some you probably already have, and some are pretty easy to make or make something that will work. As much as anything, muzzleloading is about improvization.

 

[Alden]

Even with replacing the lock. I still prefer the GPR over the T/C hawkens.

T/C quality is going downhill, atleast with their more modern offerings. I can imagine the beans counters will drool over the profit margins from a $650 firearm they could put shortcuts on.

TC or Smith and wesson I should say now quit making the TC Hawken. Both the TC Hawken and Lyman GPR are great rifles, I however perfer the TC just my opinion.

Yeah, that was some quote by Fools Sulphur I'm sure many noticed -- that darn T/C quality has gone so far downhill it has been non existant!

:rotf:

Prefer the T/C Hawken to most myself as an excellent, sharp, handy, version...

 

[stinkyfeet]

Well i guess I am the one jerk that pointed it out. I guess I will go over in the corner and do pushups to correct my bad judgement.

 

[cschibi]

For whatever it's worth...

I just immersed myself in my first Flintlock from my recent tenure with percussion based civil war Italian reproductions.. So, I wanted to follow the KISS principle...So I started with something simple that I could learn from others on this forum... so I purchased the Pedersoli .50 cal Kentucky Flintlock to learn the basics.

Since I subscribed to Dutch S... accuracy system, I was able to start strong and keep my groups within the "9" ring pretty easy at .50 yards... Then, I started having problems with my Flint and mis-fires..this weekend so I am using this forum to seek remediations.

As many folks state here, this passion appears to be one of those cherished journeys of why folks love FlintLocks...As I am beginning to appreciate. It begins with a bit of mystery that deserves the old saying... You'll go through the process of storming, norming and ultimately performing...wink:

My two cents... pick a rifle, shoot, then shoot some more while observing all the variables, seek council on this form and shoot a lot more! :grin:

 

[jjsemperfi]

Thanks for all of the reply's and suggestions. I think I'm set on Lyman for now. I am capped at $500 and below for now unfortunately. A Pedersoli Missouri River Hawken will probably end up being my pride and joy some day... Still trying to make up my mind between .54 Flint Trade or Great Plains. Again, mostly fun target shooting but also looking to hunt deer and elk with it.

 

[Sean Gadhar]

Again, mostly fun target shooting but also looking to hunt deer and elk with it.

Just 11 days till Colorado draw results

 

[jjsemperfi]

Just 11 days till Colorado draw results [/quote]

Can't wait. Didn't put in for muzzle loader because I didn't know if I would have one for it. Rifle Elk and Archery Deer though, we'll see... :grin: